Herbal Salve for Muscle and Bone Pain
Just like the weather, our bodies transition between the seasons. As we age, these changes become more evident, especially in our joints. Those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions feel this acutely. Others, like my partner, experience discomfort in areas of past trauma. He has a metal rod in his leg from an old injury, and every time the seasons change, it pains him. But fear not, dear friends—nature has a solution!
Anti-inflammatory Remedies at the Root of this Recipe
Today, I bring you a soothing remedy in the form of a muscle and bone salve. This recipe is designed with inflammation in mind, as it's often the root of pain. For that, I added cedarwood essential oil. This fragrant oil creates an icy-hot sensation on contact, providing immediate relief. It’s one of my go-tos for muscle rubs, along with camphor, clove, and peppermint. We all know the cooling sensation of mint—why not use it for more than just its delightful taste?
In addition to cedarwood, I've included an oil infusion of the hemp plant in olive oil. Hemp has been used for centuries by medicine practitioners around the world for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Not only can you ingest it to feel these effects, but using it topically is equally amazing. (I've spent ten years working with hemp extractions, so let me know if you want to learn more about this incredible plant!)
To complement the hemp infusion, I’ve added comfrey oil in apricot kernel oil. Comfrey is my favorite herb for bone healing, widely known for its efficacy. It not only relieves muscle and bone pain but is also fantastic for wound healing!
Herbal salve for muscle and bone pain
Before we get into the recipe let’s talk a little more about herbal salves…
What is an herbal salve?
Herbal salves are simple concoctions made of oil infused with medicinal herbs and wax. That’s it! You can use beeswax, or for a vegan salve, substitute with carnauba or candelilla wax. The wax thickens the oil into a paste. By using different oils, you can change the consistency of your final formula. Adding coconut oil, for instance, makes the salve very creamy, while using strictly liquid oils makes it greasier but more spreadable. To combat greasiness, consider using beeswax or adding a bit of xanthan gum!
Herbal Balms versus Herbal Salves
Herbal salves are quite similar to herbal balms. Some herbalists use the terms interchangeably, but there is a slight distinction. I think of salves as strictly oil and wax-based, while balms may also contain plant butter. Balms tend to be waxier and slower to absorb than salves. Due to this, herbal salves typically have a softer consistency, although that may not always be the case. Balms with high butter content can be much softer than salves.
In fact, I recently posted a Balm Recipe for Sensitive Areas that has a very soft consistency. Check out that post to learn more about balms and make one for yourself!
Now let's get into the recipe!
Herbal Salve for Muscle and Bone Pain
This recipe fills two 4oz jars (8oz total). Adjust the quantities if you want more or less. Before formulating, obtain your herbal oil infusion. I use hemp and comfrey, a great combo for pain management. Feel free to use your preferred herbal oil!
To create herbal oil infusions…
For a complete guide see my page on oil and butter infusions. Here’s a quick rundown:
Obtain dried plant material of your choosing.
Place the plant material in an airtight container and pour your menstruum of choice over the herbs.
Seal the container and thoroughly mix the contents.
Shake the container daily for 2-6 weeks to assist the extraction.
Strain the oil, and tada! You have an herbal oil infusion!
Ingredients
90 grams (½ cup) hemp oil infusion
90 grams comfrey oil infusion (½ cup)
24 grams coconut oil (~2 tablespoons)
34 grams beeswax, or substitute with carnauba or candelilla wax if you want a vegan salve. (4 tabelspoons)
20 to 30 drops cedarwood essential oil (0.18 grams)
Procedure
Combine the oils and wax in a heat-safe container.
Place the container in a water bath or double boiler.
Bring the bath to a low simmer (never a boil) and slowly melt the mixture, stirring gently.
Once completely melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the essential oils.
Ensure the mixture is below 65°C/150°F when you add the essential oils to prevent evaporation.
Mix thoroughly and pour into your container.
Let it cool and set completely before moving. Voilà, your very own herbal salve!
And there you have it! This Herbal Salve for Muscle and Bone Pain is ready to work its magic on your aches and pains. As you apply this soothing balm, imagine the healing whispers of nature's finest herbs, sinking deep into your muscles and bones, bringing relief and comfort. Whether you’re transitioning through seasons or just need a little extra care, let this enchanted salve be your ally. Embrace the power of plants and let their ancient wisdom nurture you back to vitality.
Thank you for joining me on this herbal journey! May your days be pain-free and filled with the gentle embrace of nature’s remedies. Stay tuned for more magical DIY recipes!